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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Alligator Creek to Murray Falls.

Tuesday
7th August.

Up
and away early – pausing only to shoo the Brush Turkeys away from
the bags as they attempt to examine everything that looks vaguely
edible. The have the memory span of an earthworm, and return to the scene of the crime seconds after having been abused.

The
plan was to drop Marco's bike off to have its brake pads replaced,
then find somewhere to have breakfast and discuss our route. The plan
comes unstuck when we find out the brake pads have not arrived.

We
sooth our frustrations with an indulgent breakfast. Poached eggs with
a hollandaise sauce with smoked salmon on toasted muffins, orange
juice and coffee. Mmmm. We check out our options for tonight's stop
and select Murray Falls NP as a good option. About 30 km north of
Cardwell it will give us a total run for the day of about 240/250 km.

Townsville
has a large peak of pink granite right in the centre of town. This
same granite is found all along this stretch of coast, with flat
tidal plains and estuaries interspersed with towering granite peaks.

A
brief stop at the supermarket to stock up for the next couple of days
and another coffee before we hit the road. Ingham for fuel, then on
to a swimming hole on 5 Mile Creek just short of Cardwell. Perfect
lunch spot off the highway and Marco & Ursala have a dip while I
ring QLD National Parks to book a camp site at Murray Falls.

Last
year when I'd passed though Cardwell, the countryside was still
visibly scarred from the last cyclone. The damage is less obvious
now, as trees have regrowth.

We
pick up last minute supplies (pastries for afternoon tea, and orange
juice and yoghurt for breakfast) in Cardwell before pushing on to
Murray Falls.

Perfect
camp site. Large open grassed area, with shade trees. Not to many
people, and we have the pick of the place. Close enough to the falls
to be able to hear them.